Mathematics
Grade 4
15 min
Multiply three or more numbers: word problems
Multiply three or more numbers: word problems
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify the key numbers (factors) in a word problem that requires multiplying three or more numbers.
Write a correct multiplication equation with three or more factors based on a word problem.
Apply the associative property of multiplication to group factors in a way that simplifies the calculation.
Solve multi-step word problems by accurately multiplying three or more numbers.
Clearly state the final answer with the correct units (e.g., 'cookies', 'pencils', 'pages').
Check if their answer is reasonable within the context of the story problem.
Imagine a video game where you collect 5 coins in 4 different worlds, and you play the game 3 times. How many coins would you have in total? 🪙 Let's learn how to solve big probl...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
FactorA number that is multiplied with another number. In problems with three or more numbers, each number you multiply is a factor.In the equation 2 × 5 × 6 = 60, the numbers 2, 5, and 6 are all factors.
ProductThe final answer you get when you multiply numbers together.In 2 × 5 × 6 = 60, the number 60 is the product.
Word ProblemA math question written as a short story. You need to read carefully to figure out which numbers to use and what operation to do.'A library has 3 bookcases. Each bookcase has 6 shelves. Each shelf holds 10 books. How many books are there in total?' is a word problem.
EquationA mathematical sentence that shows two things are equal, using an equals sign (=).3 × 6 × 10 = 180 is the equation for the library word problem.
Associative P...
3
Core Formulas
The Multiplication Chain
a × b × c = Product
To solve these problems, you multiply all the key numbers (factors) you find in the word problem together to get the final answer (product).
Associative Property of Multiplication
(a × b) × c = a × (b × c)
This rule is your secret weapon! It means you can choose which two numbers to multiply first. Always look for a pair that is easy to multiply, like numbers that make 10 or a multiple of 10.
Commutative Property of Multiplication
a × b × c = c × a × b
This rule lets you change the order of the factors. You can use this with the Associative Property to make problems even easier to solve by putting friendly numbers next to each other.
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
A factory produces 8 crates of toy cars each hour. Each crate contains 20 boxes, and each box has 5 toy cars. If the cars are then sold in special packs of 10, how many special packs can be made from the cars produced in one hour?
A.800 packs
B.80 packs
C.33 packs
D.100 packs
Challenging
Maria is packing gift bags. She fills 6 bags for a party. She puts 4 boxes in each bag. When she is finished, she has used a total of 120 small toys. If each box had the same number of toys, how many toys were in each box?
A.24 toys
B.20 toys
C.5 toys
D.110 toys
Challenging
Which of the following expressions shows the most strategic way to use the Associative Property to solve 2 × 37 × 50?
A.(2 × 50) × 37
B.(2 × 37) × 50
C.2 × (50 × 37)
D.37 × 50 × 2
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free